Somalia: Should PM Barre resign after SNA defeat in Jubaland?

NAIROBI, Kenya - Leadership is defined as the ability to solve complex issues with ease and give directions when it is appropriate but this could as well be the main obstacle to Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, whose tenure in power has been described as 'lacklustre' and 'uninspiring'.

With most routine government operations domiciled in his office, Barre, who hails from Jubaland, has found it extremely difficult to foster strong relationships between the federal government and member states consequently exposing federalism as a weak vessel in Somalia.

Having failed to broker a truce between Mogadishu and Garowe recently, the PM has yet again found himself in a serious conflict, this time involving his government and the regional administration of Jubaland, his native state.

Several federal soldiers were killed in Raskamboni after a futile attempt to overthrow Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, leading to concerns about decisions made by the federal government in a fragile state that is separately struggling to fight Al-Shabaab.

Insiders believe PM Barre misled President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding his military strategy in Jubaland. This poorly planned operation not only resulted in humiliation for Somalia’s elite forces but also severely damaged the reputation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration.

With ease, the poorly trained and under-equipped Jubaland forces overcome pressure from elite Gorgor troops, forcing them to seek refuge in Kenya. The Kenya Defence Forces is expected to repatriate the defeated soldiers to Mogadishu.

And Barre’s failure to provide sound leadership in such a critical matter makes his position untenable, security analysts believe, some adding that "He must either resign or be dismissed immediately to restore confidence in the government and the integrity of Somalia’s leadership."

Mursal Khaliif, an MP in federal parliament who also sits on the Defence Committee, says any PM who oversees such a monumental blunder, let alone serving as the chief architect of an embarrassing war of choice, has no choice but to resign.

"Hamza Abdi Barre, please resign and give the nation a chance to recover from this dark abyss. Or you’ll be ousted in shame," he said while calling for accountability from the federal government.

Many security pundits share the same sentiments, arguing that Barre's services should be terminated. Abdikhaliq Mohamed, says the PM should find it wise to step down after the dismal strategy in Jubaland, which led to the ultimate defeat of federal troops.

"Prime Minister, whenever the country needs a change in leadership, the wise and responsible leader understands when it is appropriate to step down. You have the opportunity to become an example of an honorable leader, remembered for finishing," he says.

"The wise and responsible leader is one who understands when it’s appropriate to step down”. A kind and thoughtful message," adds Hodan Ali, a one-time security advisor to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is forcing federal states to adopt a universal suffrage model of elections, but a number of them led by Puntland and Jubaland maintain that such an approach could lead to unconstitutional term extensions for both federal and state leaders. There were no adequate consultations, they contend.

Barre and Hassan Sheikh's leadership has been put to the acid test following a rebellion from Said Abdullahi Deni (Puntland) and Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe (Jubaland) and their failure to navigate through the conflict could also spell doom for them ahead of the next elections.

GAROWE ONLINE